How Do You Spell THORWALDSEN?

Pronunciation: [θˈɔːwɒldsən] (IPA)

Thorwaldsen is a Danish surname that originated from the Old Norse language. It is spelled as /ˈθɔːrwɔːldsn̩/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The sound /θ/ indicates the unvoiced dental fricative 'th' sound, similar to the 'th' in 'think.' The 'w' is pronounced as a voiced labio-velar approximant, similar to the sound in 'water.' The 'ld' sound is pronounced as a retroflex lateral approximant, similar to the 'l' in 'blow.' Finally, the 'sn' sound is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar nasal followed by the voiceless postalveolar fricative 'sh' sound, similar to the sounds in 'sunshine.'

THORWALDSEN Meaning and Definition

1. Thorwaldsen refers to Bertel Thorvaldsen, who was a Danish Neoclassical sculptor born on November 19, 1770, in Copenhagen, Denmark, and died on March 24, 1844, in the same city. He is regarded as one of the most prominent and influential sculptors of the 19th century.

   Thorwaldsen's works were primarily inspired by Greek and Roman mythology, as well as classical literature. He played a crucial role in the revival of Neoclassical sculpture during his time. His works often presented a sense of idealization and elegance, characterized by the use of flawless marbles and meticulous attention to detail.

   Thorwaldsen's repertoire includes a wide range of sculptures, from busts of historical figures to mythological scenes carved in marble. Some of his well-known works include the statue of Jason with the Golden Fleece, the Lion Monument in Lucerne, Switzerland, and the colossal statue of Jesus Christ in the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark.

   Furthermore, Thorwaldsen is celebrated for his mastery of capturing emotional expressions and conveying narratives through the human form. The depth and authenticity of his works have secured him a significant position in the history of Western art.

   Today, his legacy continues to inspire countless artists and art enthusiasts, and his sculptures can be found in major museums and public spaces around the world. His contributions to the art world have made a lasting impact, earning him a revered status in the field of sculpture.

Etymology of THORWALDSEN

The word "Thorwaldsen" is a surname of Danish origin. It is derived from the combination of the Old Norse elements "Thor" and "valdr" (or "vald"), which mean "Thor" and "ruler" or "power", respectively. The suffix "-sen" is a common patronymic suffix in Danish, indicating "son of". Therefore, "Thorwaldsen" literally means "son of Thor's ruler" or "son of Thor's power". The name is associated with the famous Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844), whose works greatly impacted neoclassical sculpture.